Spigelia Anthelmia Research Articles

Weed Community Structure in Patia Village Rice Fields Patia Sub-District, Pandeglang Regency

Rice is a very important type of food crop because it is a staple food source. Crop losses at the farmer level due to competition with weeds reach 10-1.5%. This study aims to determine the structure of rice weed communities in rice fields in Patia Village, Patia District, and Pandeglang Regency. The research method uses an observation method with the sampling technique used as a random method. The plot used was 2 m x 2 m. Weed sampling was carried out by recording the types of weed types and counting the number of individuals of each species. Measurements of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, pH, and light intensity were measured. The data parameters measured include the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), evenness index (J'), dominance index (D), wealth index (S), and abundance of rice weed species. The results of the study were that the types of rice weeds found in the rice fields of Patia Village, District, and Patia, Pandeglang Regency, namely Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq) Raven, Commanded cylindricaL. Beauv, Spigelia anthelmia, Ageratum conyzoides, Spihemoclea zeylanica, Altemanthera sessillis, Eclipta prostate, Cypress deformed L., Digitaria sp. and Mimosa chaste L. The structure of the weed community in the rice fields of Patia Village, Patia District, Pandeglang Regency is the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H') of 1.94; Evenness Index (J') of 0.884; Dominance Index (D) of 0.15.

Ethnobotanical knowledge on native Brazilian medicinal plants traditionally used as anthelmintic agents – A review

Intestinal helminthiasis is a neglected disease that affects a significant portion of the global population, specifically in developing countries, where medicinal plants are widely used for therapeutic purposes. With the purpose to identify the native species used in traditional Brazilian medicine for the management of helminthiasis, ethnopharmacological books edited in Brazil documenting the folk use of medicinal plants were analyzed. The native species cited in at least three studies were selected, and bibliographic research was performed using electronic databases to identify their scientifically validated anthelmintic properties. The search retrieved 133 native species belonging to 88 genera and 43 families from all six Brazilian biomes. Fabaceae (14 Genera and 25 Species) and Asteraceae (7 Genera and 8 Species) were the most frequently cited families. The most reported native species were Baccharis crispa Spreng., Hymenaea courbaril L., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Carapa guianensis Aubl., Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Annona glabra L., Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne, Spigelia anthelmia L., Simarouba versicolor A.St.-Hil. and Anacardium occidentale L. Bark (19%) and leaves (17%) were the most commonly used plant parts, and decoction (27%) was the most preferred method of preparation. Evidence of the anthelmintic properties of most species was confirmed using in vitro assays for key human and animal parasites, including Haemonchus contortus, Hymenolepis diminuta, Schistosoma mansoni and Trichostrongylus spp. The species S. alata, S. occidentalis, A. occidentale, and S. anthelmia have been the subject of many biological studies, supporting their use as vermicides. The overall results obtained in this review revealed that Brazil is rich in traditional herbal medicines used to manage helminthiasis; however pharmacological investigations are lacking to confirm their therapeutic properties. Thus, this study could serve as a baseline to validate their use and encourage further clinical investigation of their vermifuge potential.

Analisis Keragaman Gulma Pada Tanaman Jagung Di Kelompok Tani Usaha Maju, Desa Naibonat, Kecamatan Kupang Timur, Kabupaten Kupang

The purpose of this study was to analyze the diversity of weed species in corn plantingsin the Usaha Maju Farmer Group, Naibonat Village, East Kupang District, Kupang Regency whichtook place from July to December 2020. Observation of weeds was carried out using the quadraticmethod. Observations in the sample plots by making observation subunits measuring 1 x 1 m2.Unknown weed species were collected and then identified using the Plant Snap application andmaking a herbarium. The results showed that there were 13 weed species found associated withcorn plants, namely Eleusine indica, Setaria pumila, Echinochloa colona, Cynodon dactylon,Digitaria ciliaris, Xanthium strumarium, Centela asiatica Ipomoea obscura, Euphorbia hirta,Tridax procumbens, Spigelia anthelmia, Passiflora foetida, and Phyllanthus niruri. Based onvegetation analysis, Eleusine indica and Euphorbia hirta were more dominant than other weedspecies with absolute densities of 20.5m2and 21.3m2per maize plant, respectively.

Synopsis of Loganiaceae in Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract Loganiaceae is a member of the Gentianales order and comprises about 460 species in 16 genera, being mainly distributed in the tropical regions of the world. The Brazilian Neotropical region is one of the centers of diversity for two of the richest genera of Loganiaceae, Spigelia and Strychnos, justifying floristic efforts to better understand family diversity in this region. This study aims to update the taxonomic knowledge about the Loganiaceae of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, providing an identification key, diagnostic characters of the species emphasizing vegetative features, illustrations and photos, distribution maps, and occurrence within Conservation Units. We analyzed collections from 18 local herbaria and conducted field expeditions to strategical locations of the state between 2017 to 2019. In total, we identified 16 species belonging to three genera: Mitreola (1), Spigelia (8) and Strychnos (7). As shown in previous studies, the morphology of the carpoatlas was determinant in the recognition of Spigelia species. In Pernambuco, Mitreola petiolata, Spigelia flemmingiana, S. laurina, S. scabra, Strychnos atlantica, S. divaricans, S. mattogrossensis, and S. trinervis were found only in the Atlantic Forest, while Spigelia alborubra, S. linarioides, S. pernambucensis, Strychnos gardneri, and S. rubiginosa were found only in the Caatinga domain. Spigelia anthelmia, S. polystachya, and Strychnos parvifolia have continuous distribution between both phytogeographic domains, presenting high morphological variability in these areas. Among the 16 loganiaceous species, 13 belong to 20 different Conservation Units spread over the two phytogeographic domains, highlighting the importance of maintaining these areas for the conservation of biodiversity in the state.

First report of anthracnose on Spigelia anthelmia caused by Colletotrichum karstii and Colletotrichum siamense in Brazil

In Brazil, Spigelia anthelmia is an herbaceous weedy plant normally used for the treatment of helminths in humans and animals. Leaves and stems of S. anthelmia showing black spots were observed in cities in the Northeast region of Brazil. Two fungal species were isolated from symptomatic tissues. The preliminary identification of the fungal isolates was based on morphological characteristics. To confirm the identification of the isolates, the ITS region and partial sequences of the ACT and GAPDH genes were amplified and sequenced. By using morphological and phylogenetic analyses of multilocus genes, the fungi were identified as Colletotrichum karstii and Colletotrichum siamense. All isolates were pathogenic to S. anthelmia seedlings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. karstii and C. siamense causing anthracnose on S. anthelmia in the world.

Spatial and Temporal Effects of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Cultivation on Weed Dynamics in Southern Agro-ecologies of Nigeria

Weed spectrum in Kenaf fields revealed the heterogeneous flora richness of agro-ecologies and potential weed challenges. A study was conducted in the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University Ibadan and other substations (Ilora, Ikenne and Kishi). The effects of varied kenaf planting dates, genotypes and locations on weed dynamics and potential weed problem was investigated. Five Kenaf genotypes (Cuba 108, Ifeken DI 400, Ifeken 100, Ifeken 400 and Tianung 2) were planted. It was a 3 x 4 x 5 factorial experiment arranged in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Forty five (45) weed species were identified across seventeen (17) plant families. Weed morphology comprised of broad-leaf weeds (71.11%), grass weeds (17.78%), sedge (6.67%) and spiderwort (4.44%). Abundance of broad-leaf weeds (71.11%) mostly annual, reflected regular weed control from frequent cropping patterns and agro-ecological variations. Panicum maximum, Ageratum conyzoides, Tridax procumbens, Mitracarpus villosus, Spigelia anthelmia L. and Mimosa pudica were present in the locations. Commelina erecta, C. bengalensis, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus and Maricus alternifolius, though scanty, they were difficult-to-control weeds. Summary of weed flora richness showed that Ibadan and Ilora had thirty one (31) weed each. This represented 68.89% of the recorded weed flora composition (45) in all locations. Kishi and Ikenne had ≤ 50% of the overall weed composition recorded. This might be due to cultural practices, weed dominance and agro-ecological variance. High percentage of broad-leaf weeds (≥60%) at all locations, might resulted to keen Kenaf-weed competition due to similarity in morphology and narrows weed control option. Cultural practices, high weed fecundity, short weed life cycle (mostly annual weeds), and wide dispersal corridor in the locations maybe implicated. Weed density and weed dry weight were similar across genotypes in all locations. Ibadan had the highest weed density with the lowest weed dry weight. Ilora and Kishi had comparable weed density. Notwithstanding, highest weed dry weight was recorded in Kishi, while the lowest was recorded in Ilora. This might be due to planting dates, weed types and differences in agro-ecologies.

Phytochemical and Phytomineral Status of Spigelia anthelmia Linn Leaves

Aims: Spigelia anthelmia is a medicinal plant used in the treatment of diverse diseases and contain plant-based natural bio-active constituents.
 Study Design: Phytochemical and mineral analysis of Spigelia anthelmia leaves using standard analytical procedures.
 Place and Duration of Study: Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, between May 2019 and July 2019.
 Methodology: Phytochemical and phytomineral status of Spigelia anthelmia leaves were investigated using standard analytical procedures. Phytochemicals screening/analysis examined include; alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin, tannin, phenolics, cardiac glycosides, phlobatannin and terpenoids. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the minerals which are calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu), while flame photometer was used in determining potassium (K) and sodium (Na). Data were presented using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation).
 Results: Result indicates the presence of phytochemicals in the leaves of S. anthelmia, the quantitative analysis shows: alkaloid (2.34mg/100g), flavonoid (6.13mg/100g), saponin (18.12mg/100g), tannin (9.61mg/100g), phenol (4.61mg/100g), cardiac glycosides (1.89mg/100g), terpenoids (0.98mg/100g) and phlobatannin (0.32mg/100g). The macro elements reveals Na (0.022%), K (0.23%), Ca (0.48%), Mg (0.15%), P (0.035%), while the micro element shows that Fe (0.19%), Mn (0.003%), Cu (0.001%), Zn (0.004%).
 Conclusion: The result suggests that S. anthelmia has a strong pharmacological prowess and could be used in the prevention and treatment of various health-related diseases.

Evaluation of pharmacognostic and phytochemical profile of Spigelia anthelmia linn leaves

The medicinal credence of Spigelia anthelmia suggests the plant as an important herbal remedy in the treatment of asthma and helminthiasis. A valid pharmacognostic assessment is done to give a standard and quality identification of the medicinal plant. A fresh leaf and a powdered form were evaluated. The foliar micro-morphology (qualitative and quantitative), microscopy, chemo-microscopy, and phytochemical composition were assessed using standard methods. The result indicates that for micromorphology, the cells are rectangular to polygonal with very large cells for both abaxial and adaxial epidermis. It has a straight anticlinal wall. stomata type is anomocytic for both the epidermis which means the leaf is amphistomatic. Trichomes present on the abaxial and adaxial are uniseriate and non-glandular, while they are absent on the adaxial epidermis. The stomata index for abaxial is (10.42%), while for adaxial is (5.88%). The cell length for abaxial (84.55 μm) and adaxial is (81.92 μm), while the cell width for abaxial is (58.15 μm) and for adaxial is (57.85 μm). The cell density is higher on the abaxial with (43.0 μm) and lesser on the adaxial with (32.0 μm). Mean Stomata number on the lower epidermis is (5), while on the adaxial is (2). The macroscopic features identified shows that the leaves are opposite, simple and entire, having a cylindrical shape with horny texture, the bark is coarse and the surface is smooth with a spot of brown nodules. The trunk is simple, without thorns but hairy. The leaf epidermis is straight with numerous starch grains and the crystals of calcium oxalate are present on the abaxial epidermis and absent on the adaxial. It has a granular fracture surface; its color is greyish green with a faint characteristic odor. The chemo-microscopic analysis shows that Starch, calcium carbonate crystals and cellulose are present while lignin, fats, calcium oxalate crystals, and mucilage were absent. The phytochemical screening shows that flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, phenols, and tannin are present except, cardiac glycoside and anthraquinone. The foliar micromorphology, the macroscopy and phytochemical composition of S. anthelmia have provided proper information for its identification and authentication which can enable it to be included in the official pharmacopeia of Nigerian medicinal plants.

Reação de espécies vegetais a Meloidogyne enterolobii e eficiência de seus extratos aquosos no controle do patógeno

The genus Meloidogyne includes species of the most common nematodes to affect crops around the world. The species M. enterolobii is notable for affecting and causing serious losses in the production of guava trees and various other economically important crops in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of 10 plant species to parasitism by M. enterolobii, and the in vitro and in vivo effects of their leaf extracts on the pathogen. Initially seedlings of Solenostemon scutellarioides, Dieffenbachia amoena, Spigelia anthelmia, Plumbago scandens, Ricinus communis, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Azadirachta indica, Morinda citrifolia, Jatropha curcas and Datura stramonium were inoculated with 5,000 eggs of M. enterolobii to evaluate their susceptibility to nematode infection. For the test in vitro, a 5% concentration of the leaf extracts were added to Petri dishes, and 50 J2 of M. enterolobii were placed in each dish. After 48 hours incubation, the juveniles were evaluated for motility and mortality in the extracts. For the test in vivo, leaf extracts were used at the same concentration, however with only the seven most-promising in vitro species. This assay included the following sequence: inoculation of 5,000 eggs in autoclaved and moist soil contained in 1L pots; application of 30 ml of extract to the soil after 24 hours; transplanting of ‘Santa Clara’ tomato seedlings the following day; and reapplying the extract after 7 and 14 days. The results were evaluated 45 days after nematode inoculation. It was seen that the species D. amoena, R. communis, A. indica, M. citrifolia, J. curcas and D. stramonium displayed highly resistant behaviour; S. anthelmia, P. scandens and C. ambrosioides were very resistant, whereas S. scutelarioides was susceptible to the nematode. With the in vitro test, extracts from seven of the 10 species caused 70.4% to 97.4% J2 mortality. Applying the best leaf extracts to the soil was efficient in reducing M. enterolobii infestation in roots of the tomato.

Vegetation analysis of ground covers on Sidoarjo mud impacted land

The study aims to explore the vegetation stucture and the dominance of cover plant type on Sidoarjo muddy farming field, East Java. This research is descriptive through vegetation analysis with line inert method to obtain Important Value Index (IVI). Result show that vegetation structure of 11 types of ground cover plants on mud-affected land was dominated by Panicumsp, Panicum maximum, and Arthraxonsp with 29.60, 17.70, and 16.84 of IVI respectively. Then, they are following by species that have lower IVI such as: Cynodondactylon (Linn.) Prest, Spigelia anthelmia L., Mimosa pudica, Cyperus rotundus, Imperata cylindrica, D. aegyptium (Linn.) P. Beauv. Desmidium sp, and A. villosa Willd.

Diversity of Fungi Inducing Leaf Spot on Spigelia anthelmia and Porphyrostemma chevalieri

Leaf spot is a common descriptive term applied to a number of diseases affecting plants. The majority of spots are caused by fungi. Different leaf spots were observed on Spigelia anthelmia and Porphyrostemma chevalieri in Zaria area, Nigeria. The fungi were isolated by direct plating method on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) amended with streptomycin sulphate (1.5g/l). In vitro inoculation of healthy leaves of these plants produced spots symptoms. Macrophoma sp., Nigrospora aerophila and Trichoderma sp were isolated from Spigelia anthelmia while Macrophomina sp., Alternaria sp., and Helicosporium sp were isolated from Porphyrostemma chevalieri. These uncultivated plants serve as reservoir hosts of these fungi as the fungi isolated have been reported on cultivated plants. It can be concluded from this research that Spigelia anthelmia and Porphyrostemma chevalieri can serve as reservoir hosts of the isolated fungi which may infect the cultivated plants by producing leaf spots. It is therefore recommended that proper weeding is required to prevent the growth and establishment of the uncultivated plants (Spigelia anthelmia and Porphyrostemma chevalieri).

Evaluation of the Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Activities of the Ethanolic, Hexane and Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Spigelia Anthelmia Leaves

The objective of this study was to determine the phytoconstituents and antimicrobial activities of the hexane, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Spigelia anthelmia leaves. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methods. The Agar well diffusion method was adopted in carrying out the antimicrobial screening. The results of the phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, resins and volatile oils in hexane extract; saponins, alkaloids, tannins and balsams in ethanolic extract and tannins, steroids, terpenoids and volatile oils in ethyl acetate extract. The antimicrobial screening indicated that the hexane extract was active on Escherichia coli, Salmonela typhi, Klebsiela pneumonia and Pseudomonas ariginosa but inactive on staphylococcus aureus. The ethanolic extract was active on all the test organisms. The ethyl acetate extract was active on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas ariginosa but inactive on staphylococcus aureus. This indicated that the hexane, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Spigelia anthelmia leaves can serve as potential antibiotics in ethno medicines.

A Checklist of Nectariferous and Polleniferous Plants of African Honeybees (Apis mellifera adansonii L.) in Awka, Nigeria

The study on a checklist of nectariferous and polleniferous plants of African honeybees (Apis mellifera adansonii) was carried out in Awka between May, 2014 and April, 2015. The survey of the plants in the study area was done twice a week in all the locations during the study period. The plants were collected and identified. The plant species attractive to the honeybees were categorized into: nectar, pollen and nectar and pollen plants. A total of 69 nectariferous and polleniferious plant species categorized into 31 families with Asteraceae 11 (16%) being the highly visited followed by the families: Euphorbiaceae 6 (9%) and Malvaceae/Vebenaceae 5 (7%). Harungana madagascariensis, Plastostoma africanum, Pegoletia senegalensis, Spigelia anthelmia, Panicum maximum and Stachytarpheta jamaicensis are being reported for the first time as plants visited by honeybees in Awka region. The flowering periods of the plants differed seasonally, with more flowering in the rainy season. The extensive cultivation and propagation, and conservation of these important honeybees plant species in the study area were suggested to improve honey production in Awka.

Description of a nomen nudum species of Liriomyza Mik and the first record of Liriomyza blechi Spencer from Brazil (Insecta: Diptera: Agromyzidae).

The nomen nudum Liriomyza flagellae is formerly described in this paper as Liriomyza valladaresae sp. nov., based on male and female specimens collected in the Brazilian Amazon and reared from leaves of Alternanthera tenella and Amaranthus viridis (Amaranthaceae). Information on the puparium and the biology of this new species are provided. The species Liriomyza blechi, previously recorded from the U.S.A., Guadeloupe and Dominican Republic, is newly recorded from Brazil, reared from leaves of Blechum pyramidatum (Acanthaceae) and Spigelia anthelmia (Loganiaceae).

Action of medicinal plant extracts on juveniles ofMeloidogyne incognitarace 2

Phytonematodes are parasites that seriously affect crops worldwide, compromising agricultural production and sometimes preventing the use of many cultivated areas. The search for alternative control measures to replace conventional nematicides is a global concern, and explains research into natural substances due to their being efficient and environmentally friendly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant extracts from the false daisy (Eclipta alba), basil (Ocimum basilicum), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), citronella (Cymbopogon winteranus), water willow (Justicia pectoralis), comfrey (Symphytum officinalle), cuban mint (Mentha x vilosa), pink root (Spigelia anthelmia), epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) and wild mint (Mentha arvensis) on motility and mortality in juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita race 2. Extracts, obtained from dried leaves under infusion or macerated in water, were diluted and spread onto Petri dishes to which were added 50 second-stage juveniles (J2). After remaining for 48 hours in the extracts, all the J2, both mobile and immobile, were counted and then transferred to water, where after 24 hours, the percentage of dead J2 was determined. Any still active J2 were inoculated into ‘Santa Clara’ tomato seedlings in a greenhouse so as to evaluate their infectivity. The macerated extracts of the medicinal plants, except for the citronella, cuban mint and wild mint, showed high nematicide activity, with over 70% of the J2 dead. Total mortality was seen with the extracts of pink root, false daisy and epazote. The absence of galls in the root system of the inoculated tomato plants confirmed the toxic effect of these extracts.

Flora das cangas da Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brasil: Loganiaceae

Resumo Este estudo compreende as espécies de Loganiaceae ocorrendo sobre canga na Serra dos Carajás, estado do Pará, Brasil, incluindo descrições detalhadas, ilustrações e comentários morfológicos das espécies. Ao total, foram registradas quatro espécies, duas de Spigelia e duas de Strychnos: Spigelia anthelmia, de distribuição neotropical; Spigelia flemmingiana, que ocorre desde a região Sudeste do Brasil até as Guianas; Strychnos cogens com ocorrência na Amazônia brasileira, Venezuela e Guianas; e Strychnos mitscherlichii var. mitscherlichii, distribuída na Amazônia brasileira, Guianas, Venezuela, Colômbia, Equador, Peru e Bolívia.

<i>In vitro</i> anthelmintic activity of <i>Heliotropium indicum, Senna fistula</i> and <i>Spigelia anthelmia</i> used as worm expeller in South West Nigeria

<p>The anthelmintic potential of <em>Heliotropium indicum, Senna fistula </em>and <em>Spigelia anthelmia</em> were investigated using nematodes larvae from sheep and adult earthworms in order to justify the folkloric claim of the plants as worm expeller in south west of Nigeria. The acetone, ethanol, hydro-alcohol and distilled water extracts showed dose-dependent anthelmintic activities at the different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 1.0 mg/ml) when tested against nematodes larvae. The order of anthelmintic effect for the plants was <em>H. indicum> S. fistula> S. anthelmia</em>. Acetone and ethanol extracts of the three plants showed the most effective activity (100% mortality) against adult earth worm (<em>Pheretima posthuma</em>) after 30 min of exposure The reference standard drug (Vermox®) showed less effectiveness compared to the medicinal plants used in the study. Overall, the study indicates that <em>Heliotropium indicum, Senna fistula </em>and <em>Spigelia anthelmia</em> are potential anthelmintic herbal drugs, which in turn validates the use of the three species as worm expellers by the Yorubas tribe of South West Nigeria.</p>

Evaluation of Seed Bank in Three Age-Sequences of Arable Land within a Biosphere Reserve in Southwestern Nigeria

Deforestation through shifting cultivation to feed the burgeoning population in Nigeria is intensifying without adequate knowledge of its impact on the self-repairing mechanisms of the forest ecosystem. This study examined soil seed bank in three age-sequences of arable land – AF1, AF2 and AF3, reflecting short, medium, and long period of cultivation respectively, at three depths – 0 -5, 5 – 10 and 10 – 15 cm. Herbaceous plants accounted for 85% percent of plant species in the seed bank at all age-sequences and soil depths. Species richness dropped sharply with increasing soil depth in all the age-sequences, and was highest in AF1, AF2, and AF3 at the 0 – 5 cm, 5 – 10 cm, and 10 – 15 cm respectively. Seedling abundance decreased sharply with increasing soil depth in all age-sequences with AF3 having the highest number of seedlings at the 0 – 5 cm depth. Although AF3 had the highest seedling abundance at the 0 - 5 cm depth, seedling diversity in the age-sequences decreased with increasing length of cultivation with AF1 and AF3 having the highest and lowest diversity, respectively. Longer period of cultivation in AF3 seems to have favoured the populations of some seemingly more tolerant herbaceous species like Digitaria ternata and Spigelia anthelmia, both of which accounted for 75% of the total seedlings recorded at the 0 – 5 cm depth in AF3. Similarity in species composition between age-sequences was over 70% at the 0 – 5 cm depth but dropped to below 50% at lower depths, and between soil depths in the same age-sequence except between AF1 10 – 15 & AF3 10 – 15 cm and AF1 5 – 10 & AF2 5 – 10 cm. The dominance of herbaceous plants in seed banks at AF1, AF2 & AF3, and the cutting of trees associated with shifting cultivation, imply that the native woody species have slim chance of regenerating in the farmlands. Therefore, a more eco-friendly farming system like agroforestry using indigenous species is recommended for the restoration of the native woody flora in the degraded farmlands.

Phytochemical screening, proximate analysis and anticonvulsant effect of the methanol extract of <i>Spigelia anthelmia</i> (Loganiaceae)

Spigelia anthelmia is used traditionally in Southern Nigeria for the treatment of infant convulsion and epilepsy. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, proximate analysis and anticonvulsant effect of the methanolic extract of Spigelia anthelmia . Phytochemical evaluation and proximate analysis was carried out using standard procedure and the anticonvulsant screening was carried out using the maximum electroshock-induced seizure model on albino rat. Results show that the plant contains carbohydrates, reducing sugars, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, fats, proteins and fibre. Also, the plant exhibited a dose-dependent anti-seizure activity on the MESinduced seizure. At a dose of 150mg/kg, it exhibited 73.3% protection against electrically induced seizure in rat; suggesting that anti-seizure effect of S. anthelmia may be associated with the secretion and released of GABA since electroshock causes the inhibition of GABA release. This work will help in understanding and possibly explaining the ethnomedicinal use of the plant in the treatment of convulsion and epilepsy. Keywords: Convulsion; Proximate analysis; Spigelia anthelmia; Anticonvulsant

The Role of Natural Weed Species from Soil Seed Bank in the Natural Attenuation of a Petroleum Hydrocarbon Polluted Soil

Aims: The present study investigated the effect of the presence of natural weeds in the remediation of oil polluted soils that have not been disturbed or modified anthropogenically. Study Design: The experimental design chosen was the completely randomized design (CRD) following assumption of homogeneity of the experimental plot in use. Place and Duration of Study: Botanic Garden, University of Benin, Benin City. Study period spanned from April 2011 through December 2012. Methodology: Top soil was collected from a marked plot and thoroughly mixed with waste engine oil on weight basis to obtain 2.5%w/w oil-in-soil concentrations. Ten kilograms of the contaminated soil were measured each into experiment bowls. The entire set up was divided into 4 sets. The natural weeds that eventually emerged in the first set (Wwds) were left undisturbed throughout the duration of the experiment. Those in the second set (W4mw) were removed once every four months. Those in the third set were manually removed as soon as they appeared, leaving none on the soil surface (Wnon). Research Article Ikhajiagbe et al.; IJPSS, Article no. IJPSS.2013.007 83 The soils in the fourth set were sterilized before amendment with waste engine oil. The entire set up was exposed to the various treatment conditions for 20 months. Results: There were significant reductions in composition of soil heavy metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbon contents in the all the treatments. The treatment showing most enhanced remediation was Wwds, followed by W4mw, Wnon, and Wctr/ste in that order. Seven out of the nineteen weed species that originally made up the soil seed bank, were identified in the polluted soil. These included Euphorbia hirta, Fluerya aestuans, Panicum maximum, Phyllanthus amarus, Spigelia anthelmia, and Tridax procumbens. The predominant weed species was Euphorbia heterophylla. These weed species are likely oil tolerant species. Conclusion: The study further affirms that weed composition of any soil is to be reckoned with as an important factor in the natural attenuation of a petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted soil.